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Momentum Growing with Various Activities Planned Across U.S. Throughout October

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a non-profit public-private partnership focused on cybersecurity awareness and education for all digital citizens, today announced the launch of its National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) Web Portal in advance of the 9th annual month of awareness held each October. The portal offers an abundance of online safety tips and resources including free security check-ups, safety tips, posters, fact sheets, and information about NCSAM activities. The portal is designed to support anyone making efforts to help keep people safer and more secure online, and is available at: http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month is a coordinated national effort focusing on the need for improved online safety and security for all Americans. NCSA, along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, has sponsored National Cyber Security Awareness Month every October since its founding in 2003. These three organizations work together to empower consumers, schools, businesses and government agencies to stay safe online, devoting the full month of October to public awareness and education.

This year’s theme “Our Shared Responsibility,” aims to amplify the importance for all Internet users to do their part in making the Internet safer. There are opportunities for all audiences to get involved. Companies, organizations, libraries, universities and others throughout the nation are encouraged to celebrate the month in their own unique ways reaching their customers, students and citizens. Many groups have already begun planning major activities and offerings for NCSAM. A few examples of these activities include:

SOeC Cybersecurity Symposium & Awards, October 11 – 12, 2012, San Diego, CASecuring Our eCity® Foundation is hosting a security awareness education event that will explore the importance of cybersecurity for businesses from the perspective of A Day In the Life Of A Cyber Investigator. Cybersecurity experts will share their expertise, experience and solutions with the symposium’s attendees. For more information, visit: http://securingourecity.org/2012oct.

Cyber Maryland Conference & Maryland Cyber Challenge and Competition,October 16-17, 2012, Baltimore, MDMore than 1,000 people will convene during NCSAM for the regions premiere professional cybersecurity gathering. Visit: http://www.fbcinc.com/e/cybermdconference/default.aspx for details. The Maryland Cyber Challenge & Competition (MDC3) is also returning for the second year in a row as the state’s biggest cybersecurity battle. MDC3 is the only event of its kind to offer three levels of competition: high school, college and professional. Learn more and register at http://mdc3.org/.

Other events are listed on the NCSAM portal and anyone can list their events there as well. Additionally, in the lead up to National Cyber Security Awareness Month, interested participants can join STOP. THINK. CONNECT., the National Cyber Security Alliance and other guests on September 20th from 3-4:00 p.m. ET for a Twitter Chat to learn easy ways to get involved during NCSAM. Participants can register at: http://chatstcseptember202012.eventbrite.com/ or use the hashtag #ChatSTC during the event to join the conversation.

“Everyday, as we get closer to National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we get news about exciting efforts planned for October to raise awareness about the importance of online security,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance. “We encourage everyone to visit the new NCSAM Web portal and get ideas about how to engage in awareness activities.”

Kaiser added: “Everyone can get involved through STOP. THINK. CONNECT. to take security measures, understand the implications of your actions and behavior, and enjoy the benefits of the Internet.”

About The National Cyber Security AllianceThe National Cyber Security Alliance is a non-profit organization. Through collaboration with the government, corporate, non-profit and academic sectors, the mission of the NCSA is to educate and empower a digital citizenry to use the Internet securely and safely protecting themselves and the technology they use and the digital assets we all share. NCSA board members include: ADP, AT&T, Bank of America, EMC Corporation, ESET, Facebook, Google, Intel, McAfee, Microsoft, PayPal, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Symantec, Trend Micro, Verizon and Visa. Visit www.staysafeonline.org for more information and join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/staysafeonline.

About STOP. THINK. CONNECT.The campaign was developed by the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention, a public-private partnership established in 2009 and led by The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) and National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) to develop and support a national cybersecurity awareness campaign. The Department of Homeland Security provides the Federal Government's leadership for the campaign. Industry, government, non-profits and education institutions participate in STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Learn how to get involved at the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/STOPTHINKCONNECT, on Twitter at @STOPTHNKCONNECT, and the campaign website at www.stopthinkconnect.org.